The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY, Wednesday 30th November 2011...

Outside my window...Its rather early in the morning and quite dark due to heavy thunderclouds rumbling by. There's a light drizzle too but the temperature is 16 degree's so the windows are wide open. It was 32 degree's yesterday so its very pleasant to be a little cooler.
Everything looks so much greener and lush with the rain.

I am thinking...how long will Muffin stay here before heading under the bed as each rumble comes closer? Like most pets she's not the bravest when there's a storm brewing.

I am thankful...for the first cuppa of the day that my OH always makes and brings to help start my day.

In the kitchen...I'm going to have a thrilling time cleaning out the fridge and freezer.Yay... I'm checking the jars and dates on everything... {I'm checking it twice ~ whoops sorry I got caught up in the moment}.....The Christmas prep work has started.

I am wearing...It should be my wellies {or gumboots} but as I haven't ventured outside yet I'm still barefooted.

I am creating...Ideas for decorating the house for Christmas. We've not had a Christmas in this new house so it's a clean sheet.

I am going...to get wet walking Muffin as soon as I post this. Needs must and all that!

I am wondering...how to make this Christmas special and join all the other wonderful memories.

I am reading...The Stephen Fry Chronicles ~ An Autobiography

Thirteen years ago, Moab is my Washpot, Stephen Fry’s autobiography of his early years, was published to rave reviews and was a huge bestseller. In those thirteen years since, Stephen Fry has moved into a completely new stratosphere, both as a public figure, and a private man. Now he is not just a multi-award-winning comedian and actor, but also an author, director and presenter. In January 2010, he was awarded the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards. Much loved by the public and his peers, Stephen Fry is one of the most influential cultural forces in the country. This dazzling memoir promises to be a courageously frank, honest and poignant read. It will detail some of the most turbulent and least well known years of his life with writing that will excite you, make you laugh uproariously, move you, inform you and, above all, surprise you.

About the Author...

Stephen Fry is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and director. He rose to fame alongside Hugh Laurie in A Bit of Fry and Laurie (which he co-wrote with Laurie) and Jeeves and Wooster, and was unforgettable as Captain Melchett in Blackadder. More recently he presented Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, his groundbreaking documentary on bipolar disorder, to huge critical acclaim. His legions of fans tune in to watch him host the popular quiz show QI each week.

I adore listening to Stephen Fry and always seem to learn something new every time. He uses such wonderful words that renders me spellbound. Strange but true.

I am hoping...that our magic Christmas Elf finds us in this new house. The Elf usually appears every year on the 1st December until Christmas Day when his job is done.

I am looking forward to...just over two weeks....YEEHA...my daughter will be arriving!!!! I know you're probably sick and tired of hearing it....BUT I'M EXCITED!

I am hearing...wow a huge thunder clap......that's it Muffy's disappeared. I just love thunderstorms. That is until it wipes out the Internet. Then I'm not a happy bunny.

Around the house...its quiet and peaceful other than the music playing quietly in the kitchen.

I am pondering...although I'd really like some chooks I think bee's might be more appropriate. We eat a staggering amount of honey in this house. I don't mind the idea and there are bountiful amounts of lavender, flowers and general pollen that I'm sure we could sustain quite a happy hive. The only trouble is I don't fancy dealing up close and personal with them. I'd need a volunteer to help and when I mentioned it at the breakfast table....as they say....some fell on stoney ground! They just like to eat it!

One of my favorite things...having my daughter join us so that all my chicks are in the one nest. Perfect.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I've got post to write and sort in order to reach the four corners of the world, so a trip to the Post Office will be required during the next week.
I've just been to the Dentist yesterday so that's one good tick off my list.
I've also got to shop obviously to round up more pressies and essentials to help with the celebrations.
I'm probably missing lots more but my minds a little fuzzy....need a cuppa I think to help clear it.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:
This photo was taken when we lived in Brunei. If you think you're having a tough day....think again!
The team of ladies ~ yes woman, would walk along the sungi and dredge. Clearing all the debris and plants blocking the drains dug on each side of the road to allow the tropical rain to run off the road and drain away quickly. It was a never ending job with unbelievable temperatures.
I'm not sure what the function of the guy standing to the side was...but he never seemed to get his feet wet!!!

Brunei

I have to smile to myself because my husband used to say to our daughter, if you don't do your school work you could end up doing a job like that. Does that constitute to child abuse I wonder?

It worked though...she now has a Law Degree!

And that's it for this week . . . my day book. Don't forget to pop over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries : D

Let the Painting begin... (Part 4)

I can't believe that I've started this 'Let the Painting begin' .... back in July and I still haven't managed to show you a new painting....and guess what?
Today is no exception...but I did find another one this weekend that I painted back in 1997.

I know waaaaaayyyy back!

I'm still playing with the silk paints and trying to get back into it...so its a question of watch this space, I'm afraid. By the way the shadow on the left hand side is from the chair I'd sat it on to take the photo....i'm not sure it'll be hung but at least its out of the box and seeing the light of day after so long.

I hope your week has started well and it'll be a productive one...whether you paint or not

Have fun.... ; D

Movember Gingerbread Men

I know I’m a little late to post this article but at least it is still the month of November {just} or is it now known as 'Movember'?

I did get to finish the baking I mentioned on my blog last Thursday, but not before it was too dark and late to photograph the finished product, so here we are today....'Moustached Gingerbread Men'.

 I’m talking about the guys growing a moustache for such a serious issue and to raise awareness of Prostate and Testicular Cancer.  I think it’s a great idea and quite fun to see someone sporting a hairy top lip that normally you wouldn’t ever see with a moustache.  It brings you to a sudden stop initially until the penny drops and you realise what it’s all about.... It certainly gets attention and was such a clever idea who ever thought it up initially.

So with that thought in mind when I saw earlier this week an interruption on this theme, I thought it was a great idea. Pop over to The Art of Being Perfect and check out the perfect chaps!

Being a woman and obviously not wanting to grow a moustache myself....not that I could I hasten to add very quickly... {I remember comments from children about granny’s spiky kisses ~ heaven forbid}

So I’m glad to be able to do my bit....

They have been a big success and so easy to make. Mine aren't perfect but my excuse was that I couldn't find my gingerbread cutters, so I had to improvise by making a template by hand. I still think they're cute though no matter what...and they taste yummy.

 

Gingerbread Men with Moustaches ~ Makes around 20 biscuits

Ingredients

350g plain flour, plus more to dust
4 tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp mixed spice
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt
125g butter, fridge cold
1 large egg yolk
75g dark muscovado sugar
3 tbsp golden syrup
2 tbsp black treacle

100g currants, to decorate, optional
Sift the flour, spices, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl and add the butter, cut into small chunks. Gently rub together with your fingertips ~ or pulse in a food processor ~ until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the egg yolk, both sugar’s, syrup and treacle and mix together until you have a firm dough. If it’s too sticky, mix in a little more flour.
Wrap in cling film and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 180C/170C fan/350F/Gas Mark 4.
Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 4mm thick, and cut out your gingerbread men. Remove the excess dough and repeat this process until all the dough is used up. Transfer the gingerbread men to the lined baking sheets (if using, add current eyes before baking) bake for 10-15 minutes.
The gingerbreads will have darkened a little.

Remove from the oven and leave to firm up a little for a few minutes,  then  gently transfer to a wire rack to cool. They will become crisper as they cool.

Only a few hours left of the weekend so I'm away to enjoy it....hope your weekend is going well ;{)
A little moustached smiley face today...did you notice??? LOL x

Floral Friday.....

I'm here again in a hurry today....so what's new I hear you say, but we're out to dinner tonight and I have to put on some slap and delve into the depths of my wardrobe, in the hope I can find something reasonable to wear. {Phewph...that could be a challenge on both counts}

I'm also in the middle of baking but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet. Maybe I'll post the details tomorrow. I'm hoping that they (whoops ~ giving clues here) will look good enough to let you see. Fingers crossed.
I forgot yesterday....dah....what am I like? I should have enclosed another photo to show you what an Agapanthus looks like once it opens. That is if you don't already know.

So here it is...well nearly open.

There's also the white variety. I haven't seen any other colours only blue and white but there could be?

Here's miniature white ones around the base of a tree. As you can see they are only just opening up, but isn't it wonderful to see something that has taken all year to produce.

We need the absence to appreciate the appearance.

Everything seems to have a blue theme today....not in the moody melancholy way...Its that I've also noticed that the Jacaranda trees are flowering too. 

And then there's the beautiful male superb blue wren...





{Photo courtesy of Ian Thomas }

The brilliant blue of the bird is exquisite!

I saw one of these little chaps on my walk this morning but didn't have my camera with me. How Ian managed to get such a good shot is beyond me ~ they're so flighty.

Lastly I thought I'd let you see my flowering pots and an update on one of the Hanging Mangers....

If your in the rain or having a grey day these blooms showing off in the sunshine have to cheer you....surely?

Now I really must rush otherwise they'll be trouble....

Have a fantastic Friday ; D

Thanksgiving.....

I know its Thanksgiving today and although we don't celebrate it here in our family ~ being Brits ~ I wish anyone who is in the thick of preparing their Thanksgiving Dinner success and an enjoyable time with your family and friends.
It was a day to be truly thankful here. It started with perfect weather. Beautiful sunshine with a cooling breeze, so I was up and at 'em as they say, from very early this morning. I've been so busy and productive that I need a feather in my cap!
A few pressies bought, sorted {and hidden} I know how old am I? Don't answer that!
I've even fitted in some exercises other than Muffy's walk....well that's hardly going to keep my heart rate up. Blood pressure....yeah....waiting for her to stop sniffing, rolling, and generally dawdling.

Today's post is just a wee one as they say in Scotland.....I've got to dash and get dinner started...but I wanted to let you see this....

{Agapanthus}

It caught my eye this afternoon and I just wondered how much can be stored in one bulb? By the look of this ~ a lot.

The Agapanthus are flowering all over Melbourne just now and are very popular planted around the base of trees on the nature strips. Agapanthus are commonly known as 'Lily of the Nile', but they're not a lily. Strange but true.

That's it folks.....Have fun and be thankful ; D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Wednesday 23rd November 2011...

Outside my window...is the outside entertainment area. There's an old vine weaving and winding its way through the lattice covered structure that gives much needed shade during the summer months.
Its now the new home to another dove nest {or could it be the same couple just moved upmarket?} She was peering down at me yesterday as I swept the area.
There are lots of plants with a handy large herb pot by the kitchen door. Also garden tables and chairs ~ plus two comfy loungers, a barbecue, wood burner, weather thermometer, and a large pottery teapot. Well it is my home after all and tea features a lot here. It actually travelled from the Middle East and is still in one piece which is unbelievable really.
There's also a white butterfly fluttering around.
Oh yes, nearly forgot...the suns out but there's lots of various shades of cloud from white fluffy to heavy greys. Don't you just love clouds?

I am thinking...how we can have a Christmas without a turkey. I've never done one of those. I'm not convinced yet so there's still time to revert back to the traditional. I mean, I've actually cooked a turkey Christmas dinner since I first got married {way back...} sometimes in 40+ degree's, so this is a big deal and a long standing tradition. If you have any idea's on an alternative to help me please let me know...I'd love to hear from you.

I am thankful...for this blog. I'm seeing things in a positive different light. I'm fascinated looking at the world map where you all are situated and hence my geography has improved immensely.
My numbers are rising unbelievably which blows me away because I can't believe anyone would be interested in my nattering. I'm also meeting lovely people who have similar ideas and interests and are so encouraging and inspirational.
I had no idea creating a blog would give me so much pleasure. I have to confess I'm hooked! There I said it....

In the kitchen...because I'm a little later blogging today everything has been cleared away. All ship shape.

I am wearing... jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt, with hair tied up. Its a little fresher today. I needed my sleeveless quilted jacket on first thing when walking Muffy this morning, but not anymore.

I am creating... my own Christmas cards from photographs I've taken.
I'm also regularly adding more paint to my silk painting...I know its a slow process but you have to wait for each session to dry before you can carry on, which usually means its the next day before I get back to it. I will let you see the results but its taking longer than I thought.

I am going... out to buy birthday cards, pressies and maybe a little something for the party season if something catches my eye ; )

I am wondering... who is going to win tonight's Junior Masterchef Final, although I have to warn you that I saw a clip showing the winning celebrations and it gave it away. I could see who raised the trophy from the overhead shot....I have to tell you I was so annoyed. So if your a fan and the clip comes on LOOK AWAY! Although I noticed last night that they changed the final clip, so its not the same. Maybe they received complaints ~ I know I nearly contacted them myself.
I'll still watch it though because I'm hooked. The trouble is I feel so inadequate as a cook now. These 11 and 12 year old cheflings are so amazing. I just don't know how they do it. It doesn't help that I often rush getting dinner ready so that I can watch uninterrupted but then its not so good watching what they've produced and then looking at our plates. I'll hopefully be better and back to normal after tonight final.

I am reading....well I've not started it if I'm truthful but I will...

After serving as a nurse in Philadelphia for three years, Annie Weaver returns home to her Amish family, begins to nurture a budding romance with a community farmer and soon finds herself with several important choices to make.
The author Vannetta Chapman has published over 100 articles in Christian family magazines. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta is a multi-award member of Romance Writers of America and holds a B.A. and M.A. in English. She
currently teaches in the Texas hill country, where she lives with her husband. A Simple Amish Christmas is her debut novel. Visit her on the web at www.vanettachapman.com

As I said I haven't started this book yet but thought it might be quite interesting and very timely with the Christmas season upon us. Its had very good reviews.

ISBN: 9781426710667
ISBN-10: 1426710666
Number Of Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Dimensions (cm): 21.336 x 13.97 x 1.778
Weight (kg): 0.386
Audience: General

I am hoping....that my waistband stops expanding!

I am looking forward to...my book clubs Christmas night out. I still have to purchase my book choice for the lucky dip but that's not a problem. Spending hours in a book shop has never been a problem for me.

I am hearing...my laptop playing Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu new album,
He is a blind Aboriginal who plays hauntingly beautiful songs in his native tongue. You don't need a translation when the music touches your heart...Its a remarkable story...

Around the house...plants gasping for a drink...note to self...get to them as soon as I finish this post.
Dust and bits that need hoovering (or should I say vacuuming?) I really should start to organise the big cleanup before the decs are brought out of the store cupboard.

I am pondering...what the boys in my life might like from Santa. Girls are so much easier on that front. My OH for instance has requested socks!!!! YES...REQUESTED!

One of my favorite things...my mobile. It keeps me connected, on time and organised. I love its little alarm which was created specially for me. Even though I'm not always wanting to hear it....it wins me over. I enjoy its little tinkling tune.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I've got to decide where all the Christmas decorations will fit best in this new house. That's the trouble with moving house so often I always have to rethink all the decorations ....and I have a lot!
I've got to start baking the mince pies too at some stage. Rounding up more pressies and getting my Christmas cards into the post to reach their destinations world wide.
I'm wondering if our Magic Christmas Elf will find us in this new house ~ I hope so. He's due to arrive soon if he's coming....
So basically I'll be preparing for the holiday season.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Water droplets dangling on the Deer's Horn (pokok tanduk rusa) plant.
It reminds me of so much of reindeer's antlers...very timely.

I know that's two photo's....so sue me! I just couldn't resist them both.

And that's it for this week . . . my day book.

Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries 

Have a wonderful Wednesday and Happy Thanksgiving ; D

Malvern Town Hall

I couldn't resist yesterday stopping to capture this beautiful landmark building.

For those of you not familiar with Melbourne its the Malvern Town Hall.

For anyone interested in architecture here's a few details.....

It was built in 1885 - 1886. Built in the Victorian period in the Second Empire style.

It was first built as a Hall but its currently used as offices.

As you can see The Hall's dressed ready for the holiday season, but I think it looks perfect without any embellishment...I think its grand enough without.

Whenever I drive past, it always makes me smile.

I love the tower ~ in fact there are two towers, but this one is the only one with the clock.

I think the sun and blue sky could have something to do with its appeal.

But it always looks stunning even with grey rain clouds overhead.

Oh to look good no matter what the weather......ahhh......

I thought I should include this photo....well the tram just wanted to get in on the act.

I must do a future post on the trams here. People either love or hate them but I must admit I have a soft spot for them. They're iconic and have been a part of this city since 1880s and an essential part of the public transport in Melbourne. The trams are an essential part of the CBD. They also travel deep into the heart of Melbourne suburbs and are a great way to travel in Melbourne.

I'm away to begin my preparations for tonight's dinner....maybe one of these days I get to actually post a baking or cookery post. Phewph...so little time.

Enjoy your day ; D

Creative Memories.....

Wow, so that was the weekend then? Where did it go? Well I know...but it sure moves fast.
Its incredible that those two days can zip by quicker than the whole week put together.

On Saturday it was an exceptionally wet day and so I was pleased that I'd arranged to go with a friend to a creative memories workshop.

It turned out to be a little more than a workshop ~  more like a Christmas party really, with lots of like minded arty ladies all together to enjoy a few hours being creative.
I hadn't met anyone before {other than my friend of course} but all the girls made me feel so welcome, especially the organiser Diane.

The tables were set out full of paper, photographs, folders, files, stickers, cutters, and albums. Also a table full of raffle prizes too... whoohoo....although I wasn't lucky unfortunately with my tickets but then there were freebies.

We had a lovely lunch with drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the workshop, whenever anyone needed refreshments. That's always a winner in my book. You can't beat having a cuppa whenever there's a need and sometimes even when there's not.
Everyone was so busy working on their individual projects ~ which were all so varied and interesting to see.

I kept my poor little battered antique camera hidden in my bag especially when some of the girls produced their new cameras. But I did snap quickly these two shots to show what busy bee's we all were.

I worked on an old album that I'd made for my OH for our 25th Anniversary ~ "The Story so far....."
I did enclose an IOU at the time promising to finish it one day when I ran out of time before the anniversary date. Well, 25 years is a long time to document....that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
I had so much encouragement and help to get me started again. Trust me I needed it but I completed another four pages by the time I came away. Yay!

You could say my album is vintage too...and also the designs I used. I had to keep it similar to the earlier work which I completed about 8 years ago. I couldn't use the modern trendy designs because they just wouldn't match the earlier work.
Creative memories have such beautiful products its really easy to be swept away. Its a good job that my daughter didn't come with me ~ she would have been hyperventilating.

There's also the modern way of creating using the digital method which quite a few of the girls were doing.

As I mentioned they were a very friendly and supportive group especially having a new recruit in the camp. I heard all about a recent trip they had taken for a creative crafting weekend. They stayed at a seaside town location called Rye. Its about 83km south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.
The peninsula is extremely popular for getaways for swimmers, fisherman, yacthsmen and kite surfers, walkers, beachcombers, and artists or just anyone wanting a change of scenery out of the city. Its so perfect for a quick getaway. Certainly an inspiring location for getting the artistic juices flowing.

It seems to have everything....from high flying to solitary walks.....

with beautiful scenery too

By all accounts the group had a very productive fun stay especially visiting the local spa....well when a group of girls get together its a must isn't it? What better way to spend a few hours.
Here's a link of the house that the girls stayed in which by the feedback certainly ticked all their boxes.

Enjoy your Monday because before you know it ~ it'll be next Monday! ; D

A & E trauma for my Camera.....

Apologies that I never came back with a finished painting yesterday but it wasn't a good day really. Everything I tried to do just either didn't work or was a waste of time. Don't you just hate those kind of days....one step forward, three back!

I've also been very accident prone and suffering from dropsy. You name it I've dropped it over the last week. Imagine my horror in a beautiful kitchen equipment shop I swiped two lovely glass bowls from their display.

Visualise the four shades of red I turned when all the shop assistants and shoppers looked to see what was all the commotion and who caused it!

Thankfully they were so kind saying it was an accident and didn't charge me. {Perhaps they deserve a separate post ~ they have fantastic products}

I even dropped my camera whilst loading the car up after one of my outings. I was stunned and just looked on with horror.

It was like road kill....all its inners spilt across the tarmac. Half of me thought ah ha...now for that new camera but then this little Trojan has served me so well. I wanted to take a photo but dah....obviously couldn't. Carefully I picked up all its parts and rushed to the emergency room back home.

I fiddled and tweaked until it resembled something like it used to....ie bottom hanging out, scraps and scratches but mainly all bits where they should be.....

Then came the test....would it actually work again??? Nervously I ventured out and started to snap away. It was a tricky start but then everything appeared to have recovered from the trauma. Phewph...

Here's some pics after the accident

Banksia Spinulosa

Or more commonly named ' the toilet brush'

Bottle brush plants are evergreen trees with dark green leaves and red or pink flowers. The flowers are elongated at the end of branches and are comprised of short spiky petals. These flowers resemble a brush used to clean bottles with, hence the name bottle brush.

On with the walk....

I love the fact that there are weeping willow trees here.

I think they look so beautiful hanging over the water, gently swaying in the breeze.

It was rather warm so this shaded area was very much appreciated by both myself and Muffin.

Anyway, I'm away today to a creative craft workshop so I hope that I've left all my clumsiness behind. I'll let you know how I get on....

Have a fantastic weekend. Enjoy ; D

Guilty...Case Closed

I want you to take a good look at this guilty suspect. 

Yes...really guilty isn't she as you can see by the ears, they're right down flat to her head.

Always a sign of guilt and then there's that look!

Who would guess just by looking at her that she was a well pampered pooch, that had just had a lovely bath after our morning walk.

"Look Me Lord ~ we have the footprints as evidence"...

Yet more evidence...the grubby water after the second bath.

There's no question ~ she's guilty! Case closed.

Hmm....I'm not amused as you can imagine.

After our morning walk and her bath, I turned my back for a second to get on with my next job and this is what happened.

I'm not sure if she was digging in the garden but she was certainly filthy. 

Now you can see why I can't get to paint....but psst.... there's some news on that front...I don't want anyone else to know just yet, but there's a little paint landed on my silk.

Shhh...keep it to yourself for now

...

I'm away to try and carry on with it.

Hopefully there will be a post tomorrow to show you what's happening.

See you then.... ; D 

A Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY, Wednesday 16th November 2011...


Outside my window...instead of describing what I can see from my window today, I thought I'd let you see for yourselves. I've taken a photo and attached it below...I love this window. Maybe that's why I like to spend so much time here.

I am thinking... how best to maximise my day. There's always so much that can be done in a day and I really like to make the most of every minute. I just need to think through and prioritise what's needed. I know for certain that I couldn't fit them all in, so I'll go with some that need attention and some that I want to do.

I am thankful...for a beautiful safe home to share with my family and friends. A luxury that too many people don't experience.

In the kitchen...my son's helping himself to his breakfast before he sets off to work, so his dishes will probably be sitting in the sink, waiting for the magic kitchen fairy to appear. I'll let him off today...he's had promotion this week....whoohoo!

I am wearing...bed covers....yep even though we've been awake since 6.15am I'm still here.

I am creating...yesterday I finally got to create Christmas cards from some of my photographs. It's been something I've wanted to do for a while, so I feel very pleased with myself. Just need to move onto the silk painting now

I am going...to a creative workshop with a friend which will be great fun. I'm sure there might be a future blog in the making there.

I am wondering...if this internet problem will ever be resolved. I'm having such a battle to post, search or browse these days. It could be that my laptop is feeling under the weather in sympathy with me. Maybe time for a checkup? So maddening. Big breath in......Ahh well .....

I am reading....As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer, which a friend passed to me.
It's an extremely easy read but maybe that's a good thing at the moment with the run up to Christmas.

I've got to purchase a book for my Book Club asap. We're meeting for a Christmas night out and thought it would be a treat to have a surprise book present on the night. We all purchase a book each and gift wrap it, then its put into a lucky dip, so we don't know which one we'll recieve. The trouble is I'm trying to find just the right book that might suit most of the ladies in my club. This could prove difficult.
Would you like to be Santa's helper....any ideas anyone?

I am hoping....that this cold finally gives up and goes. I've had enough of it now although I'm so much better than I was. Unfortunately the chesticles are still playing up with a very wheezy cough. Can't complain though as its the first one I've had for quite some time.

I am looking forward to...having all my Christmas jobs completed and just heading off to the airport to collect my daughter....{whoosh...there goes my stomach again just thinking about it}.

I am hearing...a blackbird at the back of the house singing his little heart out. In the front there's a chorkling Magpie having a conversation with I know not what...but he's happy. My fingers tapping away on the laptop in a world of their own, producing all these words on the screen.
Silence from Muffin curled up at my feet snoozing.

Around the house....Clothes and generally bits seem to just have landed by some mysterious force. I need to take charge and clear the decks.

I am pondering...what would life be like without clocks?

One of my favorite things...music. I always have music playing. It helps motivate, calm, relax, inspire or whatever your needing....there's always the right music out there to help.

I love to walk Muffin with my ipod but realise sometimes that I'm actually singing aloud or whilst she's investigating some interesting smells I'm tapping my feet, or even doing a little dance. Whoops.... then I realise and have a quick look round to see if anyone noticed!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I'm not making too many firm plans as I really want to get organised on the Christmas front. The Christmas Elf be arriving before I know it.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the view from my bedroom window as the early morning sun comes to call.....

And thats it for this week . . . my day book. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries : D

Terwit-terwoo Tuesday.....

We had a visitor in the neighbourhood the other evening. He came swooping in and perched on an overhead cable. It was just a little too dark to be sure.... but it was definitely an owl, but I can't confirm which yet. We think it could be a Tawny Frog-Mouthed Owl. They are quite at home in Melbourne where there are plenty of large trees in metropolitan areas, and is probably the most common night-bird in the area. It may be in need a new home due to all the tree pruning last week.... I do hope he decides to stay a while.

Tawny Frog-Mouthed Owl (Podargus strigoides)

This photo was taken in a sanctuary last year, but I'm hopeful that I might get lucky and capture our new visitor soon. The Tawny Frog-Mouthed owl feeds mainly on insects and occasionally rodents....so he's handy to have around and I'm hoping he decides its not a bad neighbourhood. I'll keep you posted....

Here's a link to an unbelievable slow motion footage of an Eagle Owl in flight....I'm awestruck every time I watch it....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA6XSrM0V_0

I recommend that you watch it on the full screen option.

I've had soooooooooo much trouble trying to load photo's and just completing this post today that I've ran out of time ~ so I'm giving up ; ( 

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Veggie update....

I haven't much get up and go today....I think it just got up and left {yep, still suffering from this cold} so I've just had a wonder around in the sunshine to check whats happening with my veggies.
I have to report there's good and bad, or as my school report often said "there's a lot of potential, we just need to bring it out"!!!

As you can see the broccoli is coming on fine....we may even be able to pick some to accompany our Sunday Roast Dinner tomorrow. How special is that....no carbon footprint here ; )

I became impatient wondering about the carrots too. {When did I get to be this impatient I wonder?}

So I picked one out to have a peek.....

Hmm....curly carrots!

I may have to space them out to prevent this, so we may have carrots tomorrow too....

Now then...on to the beans. Now here lies a sorry tale. I really thought these were doomed but on closer inspection look what I found....

They're having a real fight on their hands, what with slugs, snails and ants

I'm also not sure that they are in the best position...steep learning curve with this new garden.

Am I right in thinking that this is a baby ladybird and that's a good thing to have lurking amongst the leaves. There were quite a few of them.....

I am puzzled over my potatoes too. I never used to be, because I knew that you wait until they flower then you should have tatties beneath. Simple...

But I've used the plastic containers this time and I'm not sure if they are doing a good job yet. The first two containers I planted haven't really flowered but the foliage has grown so much they are hanging down touching the ground.

Maybe someone out there can answer my question...."do they need to flower first"?

The third container planted a few weeks later has a few flowers as you can see....so I'm hopeful of at least maybe one meal ;{

And lastly my tomtarters....I got very nervous and picked these first two babies because I was a little nervous that the possums or birds would be in there before me.

I've blown up the photo in the hope to impress because let me tell you they're titchy.

Oops I shouldn't have told you that....Dah!

Well that's all the walking I'm capable of today...I'm off to sit on a comfy lounger in the sun with my book

 ~ to recuperate.

Enjoy your day : D

Reflections....

We started today with an enthusiastic Kookaburra chattering away at 4.45am...It must be the most unusual alarm clock I’ve ever heard but unfortunately a good two hours early!!!

{Courtesy of scenicreflections.com}

I wonder if he knows its the weekend tomorrow? I hope so.....

I'm in a reflective mood today, but that seems fitting as its the 11th day of the 11th month. It could also have something to do with the fact that finally the ‘humdinger’ of a cold has finally burst its banks and rendered me lethargic and not enthusiastic for my normal headless chicken, multi-tasking activities. I’m giving in today...so I'm sitting still and letting my mind do all the work. {Eek...scary or what?}
At least I can achieve one activity that involves sitting plus the internet seems to be behaving.....and that is to blog ;D yah!

So have you got your cuppa handy?

Then I shall begin.....

Thinking back about the events that have happened to me over the last week or so it highlights what I’m becoming more and more in tune with....

Let me explain....whether its Karma, positive energy, you name it...whatever...I have a few examples which reinforces my belief that if you give unconditionally, willingly and without expecting anything in return you will be rewarded for your kindness.

Well that philosophy seems to be working for me lately. The first incident happened on Halloween night. I’d truly intended to be ready with my goodies for the little ones to call, but unfortunately forgot. So when the doorbell rang and six or seven young Halloweenies called I knew I’d made a booboo.

There was no hiding especially when a blood druelling nun peered through my window {not that I would have hidden :O} ...so off to the fridge, cupboards, anywhere to find any kind of sweets or goodies....Nothing! Diddlysquat! Typical....who ate all the chocolate????

So as a last resort I went for the cash...I know I don’t agree with giving cash but what can one do to save being dive bombed with eggs {not that these little cuties would have any intention of doing anything like that ~ I hasten to add} Besides they were so engrossed meeting Muffin they forgot all about trick or treating. However, we did have to make it very clear that Muffy wasn’t the treat!

Anyway, to cut the story short, I insisted that they take the money even though they protested. I only give to the first callers anyway...so it wasn't going to break the bank...but imagine my surprise when later in the week I was scrambling around for some cash to pay for my milk delivery, when I collected a little card from the post box. Inside was a beautiful note from the mother of the main birthday Halloweenie. She wrote some beautiful lines to thank me and returned my money saying it really wasn't necessary.
The timing couldn’t have been any nearer to my need....my milkman was a happy man too.

Secondly remember the Hamper I created for my friend for the Melbourne Cup Day....well she was thrilled but not as thrilled as me when my horse came first and I won the sweep!

Then yesterday Zac called round to see if Muffin was pining away for him now that he’s returned home after his month stay with us. He brought the most exquisite bouquet of flowers and chocolates.

Pity she can’t have the chocolates...I'll just HAVE to help her.

And lastly here’s a link to something I heard on the news a few days ago.....Good Deed
It’s incredible that one good deed ~ stopping to help someone with a flat tyre ~ deserved another in return within minutes when that initial helper suffered a heart attack. Two strangers who helped each other with the incredible result of saving a life. Amazing!

So go out there this weekend and 'Smile'....  ; D